Recently, my family’s trips have followed a pattern of visiting places where nature is the main attraction. Last spring, we drove up to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and we traveled to Colorado over the summer.

During both of these trips, our itinerary consisted of nothing more than hiking, swimming and spending time with one another, however, I had a mission of my own. My one and only goal was to spot a black bear.

So, as my family and friends marveled at the beauty of a hidden waterfall, I squinted at the densely packed trees hoping to see a patch of dark fur. As we hiked to the top of a mountain, my eyes frantically scanned the valley below. As we roasted marshmallows over a warm fire, my ears blocked out laughter and stories to listen for the snap of a twig or a rustling bush. During the drives between our cabin and the town, my face stayed glued to the window, in hopes of finding the animal that I just had to see.

Eventually, I grew frustrated because I never saw a bear even though there seemed to be warning signs at every turn. If there are so many precautions in place to protect people from these animals, there surely has to be a bear nearby. All the time spent with my family would be pointless if not for the one memory that would make this a trip like no other.

Although it took me a few months to cope with my fruitless adventures, I realized that my desire to find a bear meant so much more than just a memory from a trip. It symbolized the human desire to constantly look towards bigger and better things.

Had I not wasted my time trying to force an experience, I would have been able to appreciate the beauty of the world that surrounded me. I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to visit places that were so pure and immaculate that they seemed too good to be true. Still, I felt the need to look for something better. I was surrounded by the people I care for and value beyond anything, and yet I looked beyond that for something greater.

In the end, I have made peace that while ambition is a valuable trait to have, it is important to take a step back and acknowledge what is in front of me. Without the memories I make in the present, the future is meaningless.

So, even though I will probably continue to chase the bear, I now know that it is OK to stop for a while and admire the trees along the way.

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